The Plimsouls

The Plimsouls are a US rock band formed in Paramount, California in 1978.

Formation

Formed by singer, guitarist, and songwriter Peter Case (who had previously fronted power pop band The Nerves), the Plimsouls began as a trio in 1978, initially named The Tone Dogs, which included Case, bassist Dave Pahoa, and drummer Louie Ramírez. From inception, the band quickly became a crowd favourite in the Los Angeles club scene. Long Beach promoter Stephen Zepeda signed the group to his Beat Records label for a five-song EP called Zero Hour. Guitarist Eddie Muñoz joined the group during the recording of the EP.

Danny Holloway produced the Zero Hour EP and managed the group. The song "Zero Hour" received heavy airplay on KROQ-FM, and the Plimsouls grew to be one of the top club draws in the city. Case received critical praise for his songwriting. In 1981, Planet Records (with distribution through Elektra) signed the group and released their self-titled debut album which Holloway also produced. The single "Now" received strong local airplay in LA and was also covered by power pop legend Phil Seymour, appearing on the 2011 CD edition of his second album. Seymour also appeared live with the Plimsouls during the late 1970s, both as a guest vocalist and as an artist on the same bill.